Authors note: I probably shouldn't start a new story but hey ho whatever, this is actually a challenge fic for sombody but I can't remember who, so... yeah.
Anyway, this may end up being a slight crossover with Gath Nix's Lirael, Sabriel and Abhorsen.
I own neither JK Rowling's stuff or Mr. Nix.
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Suddenly there was a loud crash at the end of the hall. Worriedly all parents hurried in that direction trying to catch their offspring so they could get them to their babysitter for the evening. Unfortunately getting ready had turned into a game of hide-and-seek, which had mutated hideously to find-the-children-and-stop-them-from-disappearing-again at the same time. Needless to say they were all at their wits end which was probably why James Potter caved so quickly to his eldest's reasoning.
His daughter put her hands on her hips, the very epitome of her mother as she leaned forward and scowled. "You're not the one who ends up with half a dozen children in their bed, because they had nightmares about the 'scary lady'."
Finally her much aggrieved father surrendered. "Alright, fine, you're old enough and responsible enough to look after the young ones for a few hours but fire-call us if you need anything alright?" He gave her a stern look, "and please get them to bed at a reasonable hour."
Receiving a nod and a pleased smile the two married couples made their way out of the house after much advice giving and reassurances that she'd contact them if anything occurred.
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Rose Potter cursed quietly as she hurried after two small brats - refusing to lose her dignity and run. Her parents along with the Longbottom's had gone out for the evening, leaving her to care for the two youngest Potter's and Neville's little brother. Albus and Daniel sprinted round the corner, laughing; united for once against their sister. Hugo tottered after them, arm full of blanket as he sucked the edge of it. Seconds later they reappeared, terrified expressions on their faces.
Confused Hugo turned round as they barrelled past him. Opening her mouth to reprimand them, Rose froze. Words died instantly. Every instinct screamed to flee. Her little brothers' clung to her shirt, hiding behind her. Hugo carried on happily towards them. He didn't see the black figure that appeared behind him. Screaming at the boys to run, she barrelled forwards despite her instincts, drawing her wand. Grabbing Hugo's hand, she shrieked a hysterical; "Protego!"
Not stopping to look she turned quickly, dragging the small child behind her. There had to be somewhere safe.
Flinging warding spell after warding spell at the door, her lips in constant motion and the watching boys could only hope that it would be enough. Hugo and Albus clutched onto the older boy tightly, shaking in fear. Peering round the sofa, Daniel stared at his older sister, she'd protect them – but she wasn't Mum or Dad. Biting his lip he wished that they were here; that Neville was here, because Neville was brave - and strong and he was Rose's friend. The door shuddered, locking charms and wards blazing white with the strain, sweat stood out clearly on her forehead.
Then, suddenly it all went quiet. The door quivered slightly, worse for wear after its ordeal. Daniel let out the breath he hadn't realised he'd been holding. His sister stood – tense and still, wand raised at the ready. Even as he watched, the fight drained out of her. Turning her back to the door he could see the exhaustion in her face. Slumping beside them, she drew them all into a hug, "The Shakes" racking her body. Adrenalin - the thought flittered through his paranoid brain.
Noise so loud it didn't register exploded into being. Daniel inhaled, choked and panicked. Mortar, brick and dust filled the air. He made a grab for his sister. Rose's lips were moving, but no sound came out. Hugo's mouth now a large round gaping maw - screaming silently. Red, blurred light shot overhead. They were going to die.
Three Death Eaters surveyed the room, taking in the door that had crashed into the back of the sofa; chaos and destruction everywhere. As one turned to another for orders, the other raised a finger to invisible lips. Dust settled slowly, giving everything a cloudy, dreamlike quality. A soft whimper was heard. All eyes focused on the couch, they raised their wands. Lips formed words. Power was built up. Focused. Released in one – powerful - rush.